Newsletter - Summer Term - 03.07.18
Once more the trunks emerge from storage, the tidying gets under way and anticipation mounts for the holiday ahead.
In the packed and final last week of the term we have enjoyed Set cricket and rounders matches, the Set music competition, Staff v Parents cricket, Old Cottesmorians’ Day, the tennis competition finals and so much more.
Our Remove pupils have let off steam at a paintballing afternoon and attended an ID You workshop. In complete contrast we welcomed Julia Randall, who gave an absorbing demonstration on the electric violin. A versatile soloist and chamber musician, Julia studied at the prestigious Music University of Vienna and pupils were enthralled by her demonstration.
Academic News
4th Form French trip to Normandy
Following their History-based start to the trip, which saw Cottesmorians visit the D-Day beaches, Arromanches and Mont St Michel, a tasting day followed, with visits to a caramel factory and a goat farm, with the hotel offering snails as a starter course for dinner that evening.
On the final full day, Cottesmorians learned how to make French bread and also undertook orienteering exercises in French. There was a great deal of excitement coupled with running around the grounds of the chateau, which was slightly bigger than Cottesmore (but not as nice, Miss Dove was reliably informed).
The return ferry crossing got off to a slightly choppy start, resulting in some minor cases of sea-sickness, but by lunch time every pupil took full advantage of an onboard steak and chips lunch, followed by Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
Mr Hopkins expressed his gratitude to his very hard-working team, Tina McCartney, Oscar Galvin and Lizzie Dove for their efforts throughout the trip. Having no time off for the six-day duration of the trip was very demanding, but the joy of the children made it all worthwhile.
History and Classics Trips
Mr Butler reports on last week’s busy trip schedule:
Monday: Form 2 to Hever Castle and Lullingstone Roman Villa
Tuesday: Form 3 to Fishbourne Roman palace and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Wednesday: Form 1 to Herstmonceux castle and Science centre
“This was a wonderful week of trips, with too many standout moments to name them all but highlights included Lullingstone, a hidden gem amongst historical sites, HMS Victory – form 3 were at their very best during this segment of the trip and Herstmonceux, a fabulous day all round with form 1 and Mr AB’s final ever trip at Cottesmore. How can he be replaced? Thanks to him for all his support for so many years and to all the other people involved in this year’s trips. A special thanks to nurse Jayne for her fantastic dedication to duty making sure we were all safe”.
Music
The Leavers’ service
The chapel was full as our Leavers and their parents gathered on Sunday evening. The service encompasses happiness and thanks for all that our Leavers have enjoyed and achieved during their Cottesmore years. It’s always moving as these years draw to a close, and it’s coupled with anticipation and hope for the challenges which await them.
The Leavers Supper
Last year’s innovation was such a success that it will be repeated this year. On Tuesday night our Leavers will sit down to a special supper, served by the teaching staff. The menu will be Sushi Steak and chips, followed by chocolate ice cream and brownies. The formal meal will be followed by outside fun, a late-night swim and a final midnight movie.
The rest of the school will enjoy a movie night to round off the term.
Sports Round-Up
Cricket
Colts A v Hurstpierpoint: won by 8 wickets
Colts A had a rousing end to the season, roundly defeating Hurstpierpoint by 8 wickets. Bowling first, they set us a par score of 119 which required application and solid batsmenship. Having lost our first wicket early Huw F (55) helped himself to his maiden half century with Will P (46no) left stranded just four short. They shared a century partnership as we cruised to victory with overs to spare. Well done to Huw and Will!
Mr A-B said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this young but talented group this season. They have more than achieved their early season potential”.
Rounders
1st team v Ashdown: won 24.5-15.5
Mrs Watkin reports: “The first team played quite brilliantly, winning 24.5-15.5. In the first innings in particular the fielding was almost flawless, keeping Ashdown to a mere 4.5. Fine catches were taken by Phoebe, Isabel, Abby, Tierney, Leonor and bowler Lydia”.
“Our second innings produced more excellent scoring from Abby, Ella, Clara, Poppy and Isabel. Fielding when feeling confident of possible victory led to a lapse of concentration in their second innings and we allowed Ashdown to score more freely. Girl of the Game Batting was awarded to Poppy; Fielding to Tierney and Leonor, (our backstop to first post duo) and also to all-round player Isabel who carried a painful finger throughout, scoring and catching with gusto!”
“The Ashdown coach and I agreed that it was the exciting encounter of the season. Meanwhile, on our adjoining pitch, the 2nd team (reduced by injury to three strong regular players) won their match 17.5-10.5, confirming their unbeaten season. Brilliant!”
U9/10 v Ashdown: won 16.5-11
Mrs Perry reports: “The team came out ready to for a good match and determined to win having drawn in the last fixture against Ashdown. They were batting first. All the direction hitting practice was paying off, enabling a good number of full rounders to be scored. Next as they fielded by the use of backstop to second really worked, preventing the opposition scoring half rounders. The end of first innings score was 11: 3 ½.”
“In the second innings, Ashdown changed their game play and fielded more deeply, meaning Cottesmore scored 5 ½. They knew they needed to keep focused. Another great fielding innings caught out 6 of the Ashdown team”.
“The girls played so well, the game flowed and they should be very pleased with their performance; well done”.
Girls of the Game were awarded to Matilde (fielding) and Fleur (batting); the scorers were:
Nancy: 2, Izzy :2, Fleur: 3, Aoife: 1, Biba: 1, Matilde: 3, Nell: 2, Lily:1 (1 ½ no balls).
Pre-prep news
The Pre-prep sports day last Friday was a fun-filled affair, brimming with enthusiasm from every year group. A super tea was served afterwards and we were delighted to have such a sunny day for it, which is always a bonus!
As a glorious summer term draws to its close, the Prep-prep staff also have their sights on September and the new school year. Here are some headlines:
P.E. and Swimming
Mr Walker, our Director of Sport will be teaching Pre-prep PE and Games. He will be teaching the children ball skills through age appropriate games as well as balance and core strength through gymnastics. He will also be covering football, rugby and cricket skills to all the classes.
Swimming lessons will continue next year and will be taught by Miss Edwards. The lessons will be on Monday afternoon for Reception and on Friday morning for Years 1,2 and 3 and will be taught by class.
Music
Miss Curwood-Moss, our Head of Music, will be teaching music to the Pre-prep classes. In addition, Mr Baxter will be teaching ukulele to the Year 3 children. We are currently able to offer piano, guitar, ukulele, drums and violin in the Pre-prep.
French
All classes will have lessons with our Head of French, Mrs Revill. These lessons are mainly conversational in the first years, including games and songs to build up a base of understanding, and some written work is included in the latter years of the Pre-prep.
After school clubs and activities
A superb selection of after school clubs and activities will include swimming, ballet, outdoor and cooking club, riding, French, construction, Hama bead design and make, street dancing, multisports and tennis.
There’s much to look forward to in the new school year, including theatre visits, a visiting theatre group, a trip to the Planetarium. Harvest Festival, bonfire night and fireworks festivities, the Nativity play, a trip to the pantomime and a Christmas party.
Mrs Baker and the Pre-prep team send their good wishes to everyone for a wonderful summer holiday.
Old Cottesmorians’ Day
The hottest day of the year so far was the setting for our annual gathering of Old and not-so-Old Cottesmorians. As ever it was a superb day of sporting rivalry, with Mothers’ and Fathers’ matches, punctuated by a picnic lunch and a delicious tea. Many reminiscences were exchanged and photos taken on another memorable day.
The final day of term
A short chapel service and prize giving tomorrow morning round off an accomplished term, as well as a highly successful school year. It’s time to relax and recover from so much endeavour and everyone is wished a happy and restful holiday.